Guardrails Prevent Falls
Work crews in many industries temporarily work at heights. Even though the work is occasional, falls may be a potential and continuing hazard while ever the crew is on the job. Construction, installation, maintenance, loading and cleaning crews are usually the most at risk of falling. Rather than utilizing a simple, self-provided, but inappropriate, temporary fall protection solution, employers should look to the industry specialists.
To minimize risk, OSHA has set exacting standards (1926-502) for the design and functionality of free standing guardrails. These standards include rail height and force resistance. Top rails should be approximately 42 inches above walk or work level. There should be a mid rail and screening if the guard rail, itself, does not abut a parapet height of 21 inches. The top rail, of whatever overall design, must be capable of resisting an applied force of 200 lbs.
Tritech Fall Protection Systems™ specializes in designing and installing comprehensive, turnkey passive fall protection solutions. Every one of our solutions meets or exceeds OSHA requirements.
Free standing guardrails are commonly installed on Rooftops. The guardrails will go at the leading edge of the rooftop, around skylights and strategically placed to access HVAC and other equipment that are close to the leading edge. They are also used for working on top of railcars, trucks and trailers close to elevated building access points. Tritech’s free standing guard rails allow for straight line installation as well as building’s curves and corners. They include access gates where needed and allow for pipes and other obstructions in the work area to OSHA standards.
Tritech’s free standing guard rails allow for straight line installation as well as a building’s curves and corners. They can include access gates where needed. Tritech’s solutions incorporate the need to allow for pipes and other obstructions in the work area. OSHA has established standards for how gaps in rails will be accommodated, and all Tritech free standing guardrails satisfy those requirements.
It is, in many instances, essential that rail anchor points do not penetrate the roof skin. Depending on the type of roof, the posts can be bolted to appropriate locations, or securely fitted into weighted bases. The bases can take up to four posts, to allow for different configurations. The bases stand direct on the roof surface, and are easily removed when the work is completed.
